"It was almost as if the other face, the face of the superseded woman, had obliterated that of the intruder." Here, Ethan is horrified while seeing Zeena's face in her rocking chair instead of Mattie's. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton is a book of love, hate, and tragedy but more so, it is a novel that is very similar to the Gothic Style of writing. In essence, a "gothic novel" is a type of fiction that includes mysterious and supernatural events that is intended to frighten or terrify the reader. As you may assume, Ethan Frome does not fit this interpretation totally, but it does have certain aspects that are definably gothic in style. The novel did not take place in a gloomy medieval castle, but its setting is in a dismal and barren town during the desolate wintertime. No fearful characters or frightening scenes will be found in this novel, however it does contain eerie images, torpid townspeople, and ghostly ironies. Two principal scenes demonstrate the supernatural presence of Zeena on Ethan's mind; while Zeena is away at Bettesbridge, and during the suicide trip down Corbury Hill. In addition, there are three objects that play a key role in the gothic feel of the novel: the menacing elm tree, the dreary wintertime, and the Frome cemetery located next to Ethan's home.
             In chapter four while Zeena is away at Bettesbridge, a number eerie things occur at the Frome's. Ethan is extremely excited about Zeena finally leaving and having the night alone with Mattie. The evening does not turn out as Ethan planned however. "Symbolized by the cat, Zeena has a firm hold on Ethan's conscience." The cat jumps in Zeena's chair during dinner and a cold chill runs through Ethan and Mattie. The cat then jumps on to the table and when the two go to catch it, the cat backs away and knocks over a pickle dish which was Zeena's sacred wedding gift. In addition, when Ethan and Mat...